Expert: Michael McClure - 9/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: I saw your info about CA mobile homes and I was wondering if you would happen to know about PA rules and regulations or know someone that I could contact in PA.  My mother is trying to sell a double wide on a foundation on an acre in PA and they told her that she needs the metal tag that was on the home when they moved it in.  Over the past 30+ years that has been misplaced and HUD is offering no help in letting us know if we can get another tag or how else we would find the inspection date of this double wide.  The back has already done the appraisal which is 3000.00 over the asking price but they tell us we have to have this info before they will give the loan to the prospective buyers.  If you have any information or any direction that could be able to help us out it would be greatly appreciated.  thank you

ANSWER: Hi Tammy....HUD has all the info you need, it's just a matter of keying in the right info.  Those tags at the rear of the home have been painted over, removed, siding put over them...on and on....they know the problem.  You can give them the plate #, serial #, etc to get a duplicate title and registration.  If you don't have any paperwork at all, write back with the make of the home, and I'll do some research.
Is she going to go through escrow?  A knowledgeable escrow company would have no problem taking care of this for you.
Write back, or call my cell# 3103861061..."~ Michael

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QUESTION: Michael Hi thanks for the quick response  the serial # is 8390 A&B  make of the home is Americana  in 1975 it was sold to them by Midway Mobile Homes out of Beaver Springs PA 17812   I am including the following info in case you would need it for this or the next ? that I will be asking you.  Sales tax license # 55018614 dealer registration# 85-3228.    Here is the second problem that just arose today.  She has a buyer that had his bank appraise the house and the appraisal was 3000.00 over the asking price at least that is what he told her, now he told her today that the bank will only give him not even half the purchase price, he says they told him it was due to the age of the house.  Have you ever heard of this before?  When she called HUD to see if she could get some info on this tag the person she  finally go to after about 7 transfers smartly said madam good luck selling your house, is there some thing that he knew and was not telling her?
ANSWER: Tammy....did you get my response to this last one?  "~ M

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QUESTION: hi michael  yes I got the answrer to the last ? she is trying to get some more info thru a friend that is a realator she advised the title may be retired.  she also talked to another person that deals with selling these types of houses and they adv she may have to deal with a realator. Unitl she finds out more and decides what she wants to do I don't have any more if  the guy that was interedsted hasn't called her back either so it may be too much of a hassle for him  I will get back to you as soon as I know anything  thatks  for the help so far

Answer
Tammy....if your Mom owns the land the home is on, she can use a realtor.  If not, stay away, as the entire process is different from what they do...they think they know, but usually just give bad advise....different laws, licenses, etc.  Been doing this  for some time...title retired?  Not possible....if you want to do this the right way, have a mobile home sales company take the listing.  Ask to be shown the "comps" for the area to help know how much the place is worth.  Tell them you want a net listing, where the buyer pays ALL the fees....let them worry about the paperwork!  Good luck....."~ M